In November, in my 2nd post, I mentioned I would write about both of the kids’ and my own “food allergy journeys”; because everyone’s food allergy story and reactions are a little different from the other. It’s time for Abby’s.
Spring 2008. Brent was in high school, Abby 8th grade. Both were three sport athletes. Someone always had practice, a meet or a game – always on the go. Bradley (allergic to wheat, corn and soy) hadn’t lived at home for almost a year and already had an apartment rented for the upcoming summer. I tucked my gluten-free foods and flours away on a back shelf and in the freezer – within easy reach for when he came home. Out of convenience, I started using pre-packaged, canned and frozen foods again.
Later that spring, Abby began complaining of stomach aches every few days. In June the stomach aches became more frequent, with the pain right under her rib cage – same as Bradley’s. We tracked what she was eating, quickly noticing a pattern with dairy and wheat. I suggested she stop eating both. No way, she wasn’t going to do that. When she complained of stomach pain I’d remind her that what she was eating was most likely the cause of her pain. She stopped complaining to me.
August came and we noticed she wasn’t eating much and looked as if she was losing weight. She attributed it to conditioning for volleyball: running, lifting weights and practices. Eventually I got her on the scales, discovering she’d lost 18 pounds since spring. She admitted that because it hurt so much to eat, she’d decided it was just easier to eat very little.
Our doctor did routine bloodwork and referred her to a Gastroenterologist (GI). The GI prescribed Nexium and ordered a HIDA Scan to check her gallbladder function. No gallbladder issues. She ordered an upper endoscopy for November (3 months out). I called their scheduler asking for an earlier appointment. Not possible. I asked, “How many more pounds would you like Abby to lose before she is deemed sick enough to move up testing?” I then added, “Get her in sooner or release her records so I can take her to another specialist.” They got her in two weeks later.
They did biopsies, checking for Celiac Sprue and infection. No Celiac, no infection, nothing life threatening; but she did have ulcers – on the verge of bleeding! I got her into the allergist where she was diagnosed with dairy, egg and wheat allergies. (We’d missed the egg issue when trying to figure this out on our own.)
Abby didn’t want to believe the diagnosis and she wasn’t ready to make such a drastic change to her diet. She’d do good following the diet for a week or two, then eat ice cream or pizza; ending up bent over in pain, crying. This was killing me. Finally, I broke, telling her I couldn’t feel sorry for her anymore. She was 15 and knew what had to be done. I would continue to buy and prepare the foods she could eat, but I couldn’t force her to eat them. She soon realized that she was the only one that could fix this. She stepped right up, followed her diet and started feeling better. Part of her motivation was the fact that the allergist had told us because of her young age at diagnosis, if she adhered strictly to her diet for a full year, her body may “reset” itself allowing her to eventually reintroduce dairy, egg and wheat.
After one full year she was, and is, still able to eat all three foods. It’s been eight years and she’s doing great. She has found when eating any of the three foods, moderation is key. If she eats too much dairy or egg she will have GI troubles; too much wheat and she breaks out in hives. (That’s a new reaction.)
My thoughts: First, if you feel your doctor isn’t listening to you or proceeding the way you feel they should, let them know you’re dissatisfied. If necessary, find another doctor who will take you seriously. Secondly, our allergist told all three of us we could try reintroducing our problem foods after one full year of abstaining. It didn’t work for Bradley or I, but fortunately did for Abby. Check with your doctor if you’re wondering if this may work for you or your loved one. Every individual and their food allergy are unique. Your doctor will know what is best for your situation. (Remember, I am not a doctor.)
Thanks for stopping!
Brenda
Disclaimer:
These recipes and tips are not guaranteed to work or be safe for everyone. Allergies are extremely complicated and vary for each individual. It is still your responsibility to read labels to ensure your safety. I cannot be held liable for any ill effects from using my tips to avoid your allergies. (Sorry guys, I don’t foresee any problems, but Momma’s gotta cover her backside, ya know? Just read your labels! Do your research!)